Why I Don't Photograph Weddings

Why I don’t photograph weddings and who I recommend

So I have wanted to write this for a while now and with requests coming in weekly I thought now would be the right time to do it.

I specialise in children and families its the two genres of photography I just love and above everything I love being outdoors, I hate being cooped up indoors, I think it stems back to being a child and being kicked out by my Mum until the street lights came on, you were hungry or one of the locals told me she was looking for me.

When you start out in photography you try all the genres and you quickly learn which ones you love, like and hate. Weddings for me is one of those genres I don’t like.

Don’t get me wrong I love weddings themselves and I absolutely LOVE looking at other wedding photographers photos, but a wedding photographer I’m not and never will be.

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How I know It’s not for me

I used to second shoot weddings for photographers, I booked in 3 of my own weddings when I first started out and I even photographed two of my close friend’s weddings whilst being a bridesmaid and this quickly taught me not only that it’s hard work but it can be crazy.

I really think the UK has weddings all wrong. What I mean by this is there is a regimented template for most weddings and it is mainly set out in the venues with stupidly strict timelines.

In my recommendations, there are a few photographers that seem to have this sussed even though there will be timings involved they seem to be able to deliver beautiful creative images and even steal their couple away from the venue.

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Choosing the right wedding photographer

It is so IMPORTANT to meet with your wedding photographer, pick their brains, see examples of their work, blog stalk them and talk to other brides that have used them.

The most important thing is you have to like them as an individual, you have to connect with them, you are putting your whole day in their hands.

There are so many amazing wedding photographers around, I would always recommend that the bride & groom book someone who specialises in weddings or weddings make up the majority of their work. That way you know they live and breathe it.

Wedding photographers work hard for their bride & groom and are worth every penny.

It’s a stressful day making sure you capture everything on their list as well as those candid moments along with what the photographer is known for.

It’s a long day, their equipment is heavy and they barely get to eat or drink, on hot days its a killer.

They have to do everything needed by you within strict time limits, they also need to be able to take control of the situation to ensure all this is met and people don’t wander off or even that they don’t run out of time.

Most wedding photographers don’t tend to specialise in one venue, they are everywhere.

One tip

Don’t always take wedding photographer suggestions from venues, they tend to either steer you towards the ones that either give them a cut or run to their timelines the best, this doesn’t always make for the best photographer for you, I’m not saying that photographer isn’t awesome but be wary.

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Weddings sometimes go off plan

Weddings sometimes go off plan so having a seasoned wedding photographer is a must or at least someone who has second shot at least 10 weddings.

These photographers will be able to cope with the stresses of what goes wrong and in most cases solve it, the majority of them do more than just take pictures. An experienced wedding photographer is invaluable.

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Second shooters

If your photographer offers a Second shooter I would highly recommend you take them up on it.

Second shooters are priceless they can grab those little moments the main photographer can’t when he or she is busy with the bride or group shots for example, it also gives you 2 different viewpoints on your day, and when your bridesmaids are awol they are there to help you with your dress or hold your flowers.

If I had a pound for every time I did this I’d be a rich 😉 I used to carry an emergency kit in my gear full of all the things you may need to fix disasters like a torn strap, loose hair or a headache.

Don’t be afraid to ask to see a second shooters portfolio of work, most will be second shooting to build a portfolio, they will be more than happy to show you.

If you want to become a wedding photographer I would highly recommend second shooting.

For me, it taught me that weddings weren’t for me, my heart just wasn’t in it, it’s fully submerged in child and family photography.

Why I don’t photograph Weddings

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Recommendations

So below are some photographers I’d recommend they are not the cheapest around but you’ll get what you’re paying for.

Wedding images are SO important, they are your legacy and a visual memory of that day.

I’m going to make a few suggestions for three different styles and approaches to wedding photography. Some will be local and some will travel the UK and aboard.

You don’t always have to someone local us photographers are happy to travel.

If you click on the name title it will link you their websites I’ve also included some examples of their work and extra links.

These are what I would name these genres the artists themselves may name themselves something different.

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Fine art photographers

If you’re after a stunning light and airy feel with some film images added to your wedding photography then I’d highly recommend these two wedding photographers, this is first on my list because I love this style of photography above all others.

Christina shares her time between the UK and France, She also takes stunning fine art images. I first saw her work when I read a blog post on a Chester engagement session she had done and fell in love with her work.

You can find that blog post here along with others, again Christina is worth every single penny.

Why I don’t photograph Weddings

Contemporary photographers

This is my second favourite style, it just screams wanderlust, freedom, fun, relaxed, documentary, and the tones make me so happy 🙂 below are some of my favourites.

I have second shot for Phil a lot over the years and his service is professional and he is also a genuinely nice bloke, most of his weddings are recommendations or family members returning for a quality service.

He also has over 10 years experience and has exceptional taste in second shooters 😉

His photography style is a mix of classic, contemporary & documentary with a relaxed & natural style. Phil is local to Wrexham and based at the Plassey and covers Cheshire and North Wales.

He also speaks Welsh as a Second Language.

His couples are always super relaxed around him and this shows in his imagery.

Hello! I’m the flamingo shoes bride!
I cannot recommend Che enough, it was like having another mate at the wedding, he put us at ease when we had the couple’s photos and caught the soul of our day absolutely perfectly!

Thank you so much Natasha for commenting. Its so important you click with your photographer and it sounds like you had a real connection with Che. Your wedding shoes were amazing I love them, where were they from? X